Finding Derivatives for Bicycle Trajectory Plot in 2D

In summary, the author of the Mathcad document attempted to solve for the path radius and angular speed of rotation of a bicycle using elementary calculus, but became confused due to the negligible differences between the expected and calculated results. After investigating further, they realized that the path radius was calculated as the medium between the front and rear radius, which gave the original results.
  • #1
twowheelsbg
25
0

Homework Statement


Recently I met a Mathcad calculation plotting bicycle path traveled.
Initial positions of tire tracks are known, their increments were calculated with
bike speed 'v', wheelbase 'p', and steering angle 'a' so via ODE system solving
front and rear tracks coordinates were derived as time functions.
All ok, but I cannot comprehend how the derivatives are found.

Here is a simple sketch explaining letters in use:
untitled.JPG


Reference frame center is R0, coinciding with rear wheel contact point initially.
Bike is oriented in x-axis, front wheel contact at F0 initially at distance 'p' from R0,
steering is set right at angle 'a' assumed constant for simplicity.
I believe both wheels follow circular path with common center C
(maybe this is my problem )
R1 and F1 are the amended positions of R0 and F0 respectively after elementary time interval dt. Below also with 'b' is indicated angle between amended bike frame R1F1 and x-axis, obviously this angle increases gradually.

Homework Equations


as per the author of the Mathcad document:
dxr/dt={2.v.cosa/(1+cosa)}.cosb
dyr/dt={2.v.cosa/(1+cosa)}.sinb
dxf/dt={2.v/(1+cosa)}.cos(a+b)
dyf/dt={2.v/(1+cosa)}.sin(a+b)

The Attempt at a Solution


Bold members are reasonable - if tire track point increment is found,
it can be amended with the bold members to find their projections over the axles x and y,
rear having angle 'b' as bike frame is displaced from x-axis so, front angle is (a+b) as front wheel is misaligned from x-axis so.

Rear track radius is CR0=p/tga,
front track radius is CF0=p/sina , as they differ with cosa that means to me -
if i find one of the increments front F0F1 or rear R0R1, amending accordingly with cosa would give me the other. So I try to find the rear one as it seems easier to me, author idea about it as seen from above to be {2.v.cosa/(1+cosa)}.

As rear contact point travels via circle with tangent speed v, angular speed comes v/CR0,
elementary sector covered comes (v/CR0).dt ,
and elementary travel of rear point comes R0R1 = 2.CR0.sin{(v/CR0).dt/2} ... which simplified to first order ( sinx to x ) comes to v.dt ...
close to v.dt.{2.cosa/(1+cosa)} but not exactly :biggrin:

So, I am baffled ... pls help :smile:
 
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  • #2
I thought a bit, and changed my mind.
If my graphical interpretation is correct,
rear contact follows path with p/tga radius,
front contact follows path with p/sina radius,
and all intermediate points between R0 and F0 follow intermediate circles with intermediate radius, ... and intermediate speeds :blushing:

So, if speed is given as 'v', this speed should count for masses center (M),
not for rear contact as I did before. Path radius CM0 comes from
CM0^2=CR0^2 + MR0^2, assume M is at middle, R0M=p/2,
so CM0=(p/tga).{1+(tga/2)^2}

Knowing path radius and speed for center of masses,
instant angular speed of rotation of M via C ( whole bike also ) is
w=speed/radius=(v.tga/p)/{1+(tga/2)^2}

And knowing this angular speed and front and rear radius, speeds are found:
Vr=w.p/tga=v/{1+(tga/2)^2}
vf=w.p/sina=(v/cosa)/{1+(tga/2)^2}=Vr/cosa

these can be projected to x and y axles easy,
observing that Vr is angled 'b' to x-axis, Vf is angled (a+b) to x-axis.

Obviously my result differs from expected : 1/{1+(tga/2)^2} is not equal to 2cosa/(1+cosa),
although difference is negligible for small steering angles.

Here I am so far ... :confused:
 
  • #3
Negligible differences between my result and expected,
led me into doubt that something might be rounded for simplicity -
calculation of center of masses path radius as medium from front and rear radius
gave exactly the original results. Case closed :rolleyes:
 

Related to Finding Derivatives for Bicycle Trajectory Plot in 2D

What is a bicycle trajectory plot in 2D?

A bicycle trajectory plot in 2D is a visual representation of the movement of a bicycle in two dimensions, typically on a flat surface. It shows the path of the bicycle over time, including any turns or changes in direction.

What kind of data is typically included in a bicycle trajectory plot?

A bicycle trajectory plot in 2D typically includes data such as the coordinates of the bicycle's position at regular intervals, the speed and direction of the bicycle, and any changes in speed or direction.

How is a bicycle trajectory plot in 2D useful?

A bicycle trajectory plot in 2D can be useful for analyzing the movement patterns of a bicycle, such as identifying areas where the bicycle is moving at different speeds or changing direction frequently. It can also be used to compare the movements of different bicycles or riders.

How is a bicycle trajectory plot in 2D created?

A bicycle trajectory plot in 2D is typically created using software or programming languages such as MATLAB or Python. The data collected from the bicycle's movement is input into the program, which then generates the plot.

What factors can affect the accuracy of a bicycle trajectory plot in 2D?

The accuracy of a bicycle trajectory plot in 2D can be affected by several factors, such as the precision of the data collection, any errors in the input data, and the limitations of the software or programming used to create the plot. External factors such as wind or terrain can also impact the accuracy of the plot.

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